Saturday, February 6, 2010

Drawing as meditation

I may have mentioned here before that drawing has a meditative allure for me. Prior to a couple of years ago, the thought of spending hours and hours on a detailed drawing would have not appealed. I am normally someone who likes results fairly quickly.

However once I started drawing, it became less about the result and more about the process. When I draw now, I slip into that timeless state where all I am focused on is that line, that scribble, that tone compared to the next. There is no room for any fearful thoughts, any second-guessing, it is all about that one mark with the pencil at a time. I guess it is what Eckhart Tolle calls the Now.

I have been working very very hard finishing off a work project so I can start a 5 week contract with another company on Monday, so last night I was feeling burnt out, tired and exhausted. That is when I reached for my pencils and started this horse. That continued all morning and I got so lost in time that when I finally questioned why my children were constantly coming to me with food they had "hunted" from the pantry, I looked at my watch and realised it was long past their lunch time and actually into nap time.

But I can tell you now, that I feel refreshed and invigorated, my brain feels inspired work-wise once more, and my drawing meditation has done its work. Perhaps it is this same state that Tibetan monks enter when they create those beautiful sand mandalas .This morning, we were also repeatedly visited by a stunning monarch butterfly who graciously enabled me to get close enough to take 149 photos. Here are two of my favourites. I really would like a macro lens and explore photography further.Wherever you are reading this, and whoever you are, I hope that you have your form of slipping into this present state, because it truly is the best.

About Me

I love art, my kids, my husband and all the interesting things that this world is made up off. Being creative feeds my soul and provides balance to my very busy life. This blog records my journey, especially in relation to creativity and art.